Nearest and Dearest Poster

Nearest and Dearest 1972

★ 6.66 votes83 min📅 1972-01-01

"It Will Pickle Your Fancy!"

In *Nearest and Dearest (1972)*, siblings Eli and Nellie Pledge inherit their father's thriving pickle business, setting the stage for a hilariously chaotic clash of personalities.

Director: John Robins

Cast

Hylda Baker
Hylda Baker
Nellie Pledge
Jimmy Jewel
Jimmy Jewel
Eli Pledge
Edward Malin
Edward Malin
Walter Tattersall
Madge Hindle
Madge Hindle
Lily Tattersall
Norman Mitchell
Norman Mitchell
Vernon Smallpiece
Pat Ashton
Pat Ashton
Freda
John Barrett
John Barrett
Joshua Pledge
Peter Madden
Peter Madden
Court Bailiff
Yootha Joyce
Yootha Joyce
Mrs. Rhoda Rowbottom
Norman Chappell
Man on Bus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nearest and Dearest (1972) about?

After their father's death leaves them in charge of his pickle business, siblings Eli and Nellie Pledge find themselves at odds over the future. While Eli wants out, Nellie refuses to let tradition crumble—so Eli hatches a plan to marry her off. The result? A comedic minefield of mismatched suitors and sibling spats.

Who directed Nearest and Dearest?

John Robins directed *Nearest and Dearest (1972)*, helming this British comedy with a sharp eye for character-driven humor.

Who stars in Nearest and Dearest?

The film stars comedy icons Hylda Baker and Jimmy Jewel as the feuding siblings, alongside Edward Malin, Madge Hindle, and Norman Mitchell.

Is Nearest and Dearest (1972) worth watching?

With its blend of slapstick and sharp sibling dynamics, *Nearest and Dearest* is a nostalgic treat for fans of classic British comedies. While it may lack the polish of modern films, its quirky charm and standout performances make it a fun, if flawed, watch.

How long is Nearest and Dearest?

The runtime for *Nearest and Dearest (1972)* is 83 minutes.

About Nearest and Dearest (1972) — A Classic Comedy of Sibling Rivalry and Pickle Empire

In *Nearest and Dearest (1972)*, siblings Eli and Nellie Pledge inherit their father's thriving pickle business, setting the stage for a hilariously chaotic clash of personalities. With Eli desperate to escape the family empire and Nellie clinging to tradition, their only hope lies in Eli's quest to marry her off—though his unconventional methods might just stir up more trouble than they're worth. Directed by John Robins and starring comedy legends Hylda Baker and Jimmy Jewel, this 83-minute gem blends quirky charm with sharp sibling dynamics, wrapping up themes of duty, change, and the absurdity of family expectations. Packed with wit and old-school humor, it's a delightful snapshot of early '70s British comedy that lingers like the tang of a well-preserved pickle.

The film thrives on Baker and Jewel's electric chemistry, their back-and-forth banter turning even the stickiest situations into laugh-out-loud moments. Set against the backdrop of a small-town pickle factory, the story balances lighthearted frivolity with a touch of heart, as Eli's reluctant matchmaking forces both siblings to confront their futures. Whether you're a fan of classic comedies or just looking for a feel-good escape, *Nearest and Dearest* delivers a surprisingly fresh twist on the age-old sibling rivalry trope.